by Jazmine Otey with S. Hale contributing
Famed poet and activist Maya Angelou once said “I can be changed by what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced by it.” Laverne Tiggle, 63, did just this as she fought a tenacious bout against cancer with her unwavering faith in God and an incredible circle of support that involved a family of cancer professionals. With tenacity, and an abundance of courage, Laverne was able to stand in the face of cancer, refusing to allow it to overcome her.
Born in Roanoke at Burrell Hospital, Laverne was raised and currently is a resident of Rocky Mount. She has two younger siblings, Mandel and Marie and is the daughter of Guy and Mary Dudley.
She and John her husband of 40 years have one daughter Angela, and husband Chris who have blessed Laverne with 2 grandchildren who are “gifts from God,” she said.
Laverne started her career as a 4th grade teacher and later held positions as principle, guidance counselor and even coordinator of special education to schools as Lee M. Waid Elementary School (Franklin Co.) her old alma mater. She retired from Franklin County Public Schools after 33 years and has always been known by many to be a leader and role model to not only youth but in the community at large. Laverne has wholeheartedly lived her life through a personal and professional commitment to serve others and considers it an honor.
Nonetheless, it was during an appointment at Lewis Gale Hospital that her life took an unexpected turn and despite it being nothing but a mundane checkup, she was advised to schedule yet another appointment immediately. Due to an irregularity within her blood work she was tested for cancer. Laverne previously didn’t have any symptoms of the disease, which is why what came next was the shock of a lifetime.
It was December 20, 2013, a day she well remembers. Only five days until Christmas and one month prior to the birth of her second grandchild Lavern was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). “All I could say to myself was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, what is this,” she recalls.
Nonetheless, trying her best not to spoil Christmas or the birth of her new grandchild, she kept everything to herself claiming to only tell her husband.
Laverne was requested to return to her doctor after three months and after a rigorous routine of going back and forth between doctor’s appointments and home she admits it began to get a little strenuous. It was by June that she decided to call on God for help, asking for guidance and after much soul searching she was directed to the Cancer Treatment Center of America.
“I called Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) and not only did a human answer but the person was himself a cancer survivor and it was most encouraging,” she remembers.
After being accepted, she chose to travel to the center housed at CTCA at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, Atlanta – one of only five CTCAs in the country. Due to Lavern’s many chemotherapy appointments, she was prompted to stay for 4-5 days once a month.
“I felt the presence of the Lord at the center,” Laverne states. Known for its ‘holistic approach,’ it was as if the team of nurses and patients were family. The organization provided help from oncologists, naturopathic doctors, nutritionists as well as mental and spiritual guidance. All natural food was served and the organization made sure to keep its patients entertained by providing a beautiful view of nature. Therapeutic music and television geared towards healing were also offered and contributed considerably to her recovery.
“I can remember my first meeting with one of the pastors (of like faith) at the treatment center. Her compassion and her ability to bond with me freed me of a lot of hang-ups concerning my condition and other issues I’d been dealing with at the time,” said Laverne who seemed to revisit that since of calm as she spoke in a most uplifting way.
With the rigorous regiment of chemotherapy and the many issues associated with it came the possible loss of her beautiful silver-white hair. However, due to medical advancements regarding treatment, it was not an issue and her hair flows today as full and beautiful as it ever was.
Fortunately Laverne’s cancer went into remission and she has been cancer free since March 2015. Through her indomitable faith, she had won the arduous battle against the beast, and also rose up against those who consider the dreaded disease hopeless.
When asked who inspired her through the troubling times, she acknowledged her husband John and her Loudon Avenue Christian Church family including pastors Bill Lee and Calvin Curry. She also mentioned church member Janie Ollie, who along with the others supported her through prayer. But most of all she gives major praise to God and the amazing care team at the cancer center who gave her a second chance at life.
“My story is to inspire someone who might feel defeated. I want them to know that there is a supreme being who will guide them to a higher place,” she said.
Laverne is an incredibly gratified woman who glows with a renewed spirit empowered by that 2nd chance at life. With her new lease, she plans to hopefully encourage others–especially those who need to stand up against cancer, just as she did.
